FOAP AGM 19th April 2016

The meeting was attended by interested members and two of our three local councillors. It was a chance to reflect on what has been achieved in the past year and to get an update of where things stand.

The Chair gave her annual report detailing the achievements of the group over its first year and the many frustrations of dealing with Croydon Council… During the first year of its existence, apart from setting up the organisation, FOAP organised the Big Picnic last Summer, planted many bulbs looked after the remaining rose beds and planted the Fruit and Nut Orchard. They negotiated the removal of the unsightly recycling centre and identified and reported repairs to be done. There have also been the ongoing battles to be kept up to date with developments on the Old Library, Pavilion and Lodge and to disseminate the information.

In the report from the Council, they recognised the failings in communication and the feelings of volunteers that they are being taken for granted and will try to improve things. The recent surveys online and through the Urban Typewriter project have been completed and responses are being collated. The development of the Old Library is at the pre-planning stage – the Council is committed to it being a community hub for a variety of uses and the marketing exercise to gauge interest from organisations and businesses ends on 30th April. To fund the redevelopment of the Old Library the plan from the Council is to sell the Lodge building and to ring-fence the proceeds for the works. They are currently looking at residential use. After removing the small amount of asbestos present, the repair or rebuilding of the Pavilion was been put out to tender and quotes received have ranged from £30k to £150k.

The meeting was reminded of the Free Holistic Fitness class that is held in the Park every Saturday. Other upcoming events are: The Addiscombe Carnival which will also include the Big Dance Bus 29th May and the Big Picnic on 12th June.